Samantha Bee Tackles Terrifying TikTok Misinformation

TikTok! It’s not just for your nieces and nephews anymore. Now it’s also for people holding quarters to their arms and thinking they’re magnetic. Yes, misinformation about the COVID vaccine has made its way to America’s favorite lip sync depository. Now you can do the Dougie while putting Ivermectin on a cracker and get your message home. TikTok’s mysterious algorithm won’t stop you. In fact, it may give you that sweet boost.

On the latest episode of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, she took a look at the dangerous trend that is making waves on the popular social media app. Despite claims that TikTok is battling COVID misinformation, the app itself could be its own worst enemy. Its secret, machine-run algorithm could send people down a rabbit hole of COVID deniers. If a video is taken down, people can still access its “sound” and spread the message far and wide with a quirky lipsync.

There is hope. The White House is working with popular TikTok influencers to combat the misinformation. Ideally, this will lead to more adults under 25, a susceptible group, getting their vaccines and encouraging others to do the same. it is very much an “if you can’t beat em, join em” scenario that has led to my new favorite thing, Fauci on TikTok.

If Doctor Fauci talking to Olivia Rodrigo doesn’t persuade you to get vaccinated then… look, I get it.

I’d say this is like a Black Mirror episode but let’s be honest, Black Mirror wishes it was this terrifying.